Relations between the states of the Korean Peninsula and Vietnam in the contemporary era: analysis and prospects for cooperation

The article examines the cooperation and relations between the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the contemporary period. The study aims to highlight the pressing issues and trends in the relationships of South and North Korea with Vietnam, considering the similarities and differences in their foreign policies, economic structures, regional perspectives, and the interactions between their respective leaders. It presents the historical development of their dialogue frameworks, current directions of political and economic collaboration, and distinctive views on the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region. The analysis of bilateral relations between the ROK and the SRV shows that these countries are key Asian partners in economics, trade, and investments. The Republic of Korea holds leading positions in direct investments in Vietnam, while Vietnam plays a significant role for the ROK within the ASEAN region and the Indo-Pacific strategy. Mutual state visits in 2023–2025 have confirmed the dynamic development of their relations, further strengthened by the elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022. The DPRK and SRV remain among the last communist states in the world. Despite their historically similar paths, relations between them have transformed in the 21st century. In the complex regional environment, the leaders of the DPRK and SRV strive to strengthen traditional ties, find common ground, and preserve the national characteristics of their cooperation. This issue is particularly salient in the context of Vietnam–South Korea relations. As the two countries have elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, they have committed to mutual support on their respective core security concerns. For Vietnam, this primarily involves the territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea; for South Korea, the enduring tensions with North Korea remain central. Accordingly, the Republic of Korea and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam - two prominent “Asian Tigers” - may, in the medium term, emerge as a regional tandem in the Asia-Pacific, capable of contributing significantly to the architecture of collective security in the region.